Abstract

This research aims at understanding the effects of positive messages to help smokers to quit smoking. In contrast to the typically used approach, our research is based on positive messages and presented through audiovisual materials. The videos were developed in terms of gain-frame promotion of positive attitudes versus loss-frame prevention of negative behavior and used experts’ therapeutic practical experiences following the Transtheoretical Model. The research was carried out as part of a complete Smoking Cessation Program developed at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Thessaly, Greece. From a pool of twenty-four participants from the Smoking Cessation Program, the initial evaluation of this pilot study within this program revealed useful information on how audiovisual materials, and in particular videos, allied to positive messages offer promising preliminary results on their effectiveness on smokers to change their behavior.